UK Muslims launch campaign to counter Islamophobia

UK Muslim Campaign-Islamophobia
An advertising campaign was launched by British Muslims Monday to counter an new surge in Islamophobic attacks following attempting car bombings in London and at Glasgow airport in July.

"In the current atmosphere of suspicion and fear about Islam and British Muslims, truth is often confused with fabrications and stereotypes," said Ifhat Shaheen-Smith, one of the organizers of the 'Islam is Peace campaign'.

"Prejudice has become entrenched and sensationalistic media reporting is creating a climate of paranoia. There is a desperate need for openness, mutual understanding and a mature debate," Shaheen-Smith said.

The advertising campaign on buses and trains, which is to be followed by a nationwide tour, is the second since Islam is Peace was formed in the aftermath of the 2005 bombings in London.

Muslim Labour MP Sadiq Khan welcomed the move as a "fantastic initiative," saying that "Islam is a faith whose primary focus is peace and submission to one God."
"This campaign will help to bust some of the myths about Islam and allow the true face of Islam to reach all parts of our country," said Khan, who is also a human rights lawyer.

Secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain Mohammed Abdul Bari said the move showed that "the silent majority of Muslims are coming forward and now challenging Islamophobia in sections of our media." He said it was a "brave undertaking."

from
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